Tobago Correspondent
Following a confirmed case of malaria in Trinidad, Tobago’s health sector has stepped up mosquito monitoring across the island and is prepared for any potential cases.
Last week, officials confirmed that a pregnant woman was hospitalised in the intensive care unit at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital with malaria.
However, Health, Wellness and Social Protection Secretary Dr Faith B Yisrael confirmed no such diseases have been reported in Tobago so far this year.
In a release, the island’s Public Health Services Department said they had started a rigorous monitoring process, known as “perifocal work.”
This includes the evaluation of vector indices to assess mosquito populations and types.
There has also been training sessions in entomological surveillance, in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency, to enhance the island’s capacity to track and manage mosquito-borne diseases.
Meanwhile, the office of the County Medical Officer of Health in Tobago will continue its regular weekly surveillance of all vector-borne diseases, including those spread by mosquitoes.
The release said the Tobago Regional Health Authority will remain vigilant and prepared for the detection of mosquito-borne diseases. And, clinical staff are ready to respond, with testing available through the Trinidad Public Health Laboratory as needed for epidemiological surveillance and clinical management.
Tobagonians are also being asked to clear gutters and drains and remove items that can collect stagnant water, such as old tyres and containers, to reduce mosquito breeding sites.